Warwick Law School welcomes a new Assistant Professor to our community.

Luminita Olteanu joins us from LSE Law School. During her time there, she taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in intellectual property law. Luminita’s primary research focus was on an empirical research project centered around trade mark law, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and implications, a spin off project of from her PhD which she completed at UCL Laws. Before embarking on the academic path, Luminita had a fulfilling career as a litigation lawyer within an esteemed international law firm. During her time in practice, Luminita specialised in advising on intricate matters related to intellectual property and privacy. Luminita is also a Member of the Bucharest Bar since 2010 and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy since 2021.

When asked about joining Warwick Law School, Luminita told us “I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining Warwick Law School and very enthusiastic about engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues not only within the Law School but also across various disciplines. As an interdisciplinary researcher, I believe that Warwick is the ideal place for me to foster new ideas and contribute to cutting-edge research for the benefit of colleagues and students”.

We chatted to find out more...

What will you be doing at Warwick?

At Warwick, I will be taking on the role of an Assistant Professor. My primary responsibilities will revolve around teaching intellectual property law to students. Additionally, I will provide support in teaching the property module.

What are your research interests?

In my research, I'm deeply fascinated by the intricate intersections of social, economic, technological, and anthropological factors within legal norms. My work explores the ways in which new technologies, changing modes of consumption, and evolving data handling practices can influence the normative justifications and application of the law.

What current research projects are you involved in?

I'm currently engaged in multiple projects that align with my research interests. One of these projects seeks to investigate whether specific slogans used in beauty and slimming product advertising affect body image perceptions, especially among consumers categorized as vulnerable. I believe that this research is crucial because the causal link between trade marks, advertising, and body image dissatisfaction is not yet well understood.

Another significant project I'm working on is a comparative law study under UK-Japan law, which examines how these jurisdictions deal with works created by non-human actors. This research has received grant support from The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, and it involves collaborative work with Hokkaido University. The goal is to shed light on how the law should adapt to accommodate the increasing role of non-human actors in our technologically evolving world.

Will you be involved in teaching this year?

Yes, I will be the module convener for the undergraduate module LA366 Global Intellectual Property Law & Policy. My teaching approach is deeply informed by my research, as it explores the political and sociological influences on the scope and policy of intellectual property rights. Why did you decide to study/work in law? I was drawn to the field of law because of its profound impact on society. Law serves as a cornerstone for shaping and regulating human behaviour, and it plays a pivotal role in fostering justice, equity, and order in our complex world. I was inspired by the potential to contribute to the development of a fair and just legal system.

What attracted you to join Warwick Law School?

Warwick Law School's outstanding reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to interdisciplinary research were the primary attractions for me. The opportunity to collaborate with exceptional colleagues and engage in cutting-edge research made it clear that this was the ideal place for me to further my academic journey.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

Outside of work, I have a keen interest in astronomy. Additionally, I like spending time with family and friends in nature, whether it's hiking, biking, or simply taking leisurely walks to unwind and recharge.

Professor Andrew Williams, Head of School has said "I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues to our academic team. They are outstanding scholars in a variety of fields who each promise to become a major part of our community over the coming years".

Good luck in your first term Luminita, we are thrilled to have you with us.